Virginia state officials have announced that they will be disbursing about $188 Million around the state to assist local jurisdictions in their efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.  Stafford County is expected to receive between $5.5M and $7.6M from the State Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund to upgrade the Little Falls Run Wastewater Treatment Plant that discharges into the Rappahannock River.  The Rappahannock feeds into the Chesapeake Bay near Stingray Point. 

The state, working with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, has set a goal of 2010 to clean up "point-source pollution" and reduce the volume of nutrients flowing into the Bay.  Point-source pollution refers to drainage flowing from one particular source, usually a specific drainage pipe.  The volume of nutrients is most affected by other sources into the Bay including run-off and dumping in protected or vulnerable areas.  Stafford County is currently upgrading the wastewater treatment plant in Aquia.

While the upgrades at the treatment plants will not have a noticeable daily impact on the lives of Stafford County residents, the health and survival of the Chesapeake Bay is a major factor in the preservation of the historic Rappahannock River.  The Rappahannock serves as a source of recreation and scenic beauty in the county.  The clean water initiative will also help to restore the oyster and crab population in the Bay. 

For more information about upcoming events, advocacy and news related to the Rappahannock visit the Friends of the Rappahannock website at www.riverfriends.org. 

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate